Navy Says It Is Spending 25% More Time Monitoring Russian Vessels Around UK Waters

The Royal Navy’s increased vigilance around UK waters is a clear indication that Vladimir Putin’s regime is escalating its naval presence in the region. The 25% rise in time spent monitoring Russian vessels last month is not just a reaction to increased activity, but a warning sign of a more complex strategic play.

For years, Russia has been using its “shadow fleet” – a collection of ageing ships repurposed as tankers and escorts – to evade international sanctions on oil exports. These vessels are often crewed by sailors from the Russian navy or private security companies, making it difficult for Western navies to distinguish between civilian cargo and military assets.

The recent deployment of Royal Navy ships, including HMS Tyne, HMS Mersey, and HMS Severn, alongside Wildcat helicopters and Merlin aircraft, is part of a broader effort to counter Russia’s naval strategy. The fact that these vessels were tasked with shadowing Russian frigates Neustrashimy and Admiral Grigorovich, which are escorting tankers through the strait of Dover and the North Sea, highlights the UK’s determination to protect its interests in the region.

The increase in Russian naval activity follows a pattern seen before. In 2020, Russia launched a series of naval exercises in the Black Sea, which were widely interpreted as a show of force against NATO allies. This latest escalation is no coincidence – it’s part of a broader campaign to assert Russian dominance in the North Atlantic.

The UK’s sanctions on more than 500 vessels and the subsequent decline in Russia’s oil and gas revenues by 24% year on year in 2025 are clear indicators that Western powers will not tolerate this naval aggression. The seizure of the tanker Smyrtos by Royal Marines in June marked a significant escalation, as it was the first time British troops directly boarded a shadow fleet vessel.

The UK’s response to Russia’s naval activity is not just about deterring specific ships; it’s also about addressing the strategic implications of Putin’s regime using its navy as a tool for economic warfare. The use of “shadow fleets” to circumvent international sanctions and fund the war in Ukraine is a masterclass in creative statecraft – but one that Western powers will not allow to continue unchecked.

As HMS Somerset continues its mission in the North Atlantic, it’s clear that this is no longer just about monitoring Russian activity. This is about protecting the UK and its allies from a regime that sees naval power as a means to an end – a way to exert influence, expand its sphere of control, and evade accountability.

Cmdr Matt Millyard’s statement that “this deployment demonstrates exactly what the Royal Navy exists to do: protect the UK and our allies from wherever our interests are threatened” takes on a new significance in this context. The Royal Navy is not just reacting to Russia’s naval aggression; it’s proactively asserting its role in maintaining regional stability.

Tensions between East and West will likely continue to escalate, making the North Atlantic a flashpoint for years to come. As a result, the UK, NATO, and other Western powers must be prepared to adapt their naval strategies to counter Russia’s evolving tactics. The increased vigilance of the Royal Navy is a reminder that in this era of great-power competition, naval power will continue to play a critical role in shaping global events.

The game is on – and the UK is ready to play.